Saafa variety show highlights local talent
Although attendance at the evening performance of the South African Air Force Association (Saafa) variety show was poorly attended, those who did make it to either the matinee or the evening show, seemed to have enjoyed the entertainment on offer.
The show, in its second consecutive year, took place at the Don Powis Hall at Settlers Park on Saturday afternoon and again in the evening.
Children from Ndlambe and Makana made their presence felt with some inspirational performances, including acting, poetry, singing and particularly dancing.
Other entertainment ranged from the distinctive music of the bagpipes, played by pipe virtuoso Christopher Pretorius, to hip-hop dance routines from Sha-Loui Dance School and Scottish dancing from Pixie Highland Dancing Academy in Grahamstown, to a song from local songbird Nicole Adams. This was a treat for everyone as Nicole’s voice is powerful and her range impressive.
The show showed the talent available in the area as well as giving youth the opportunity to shine doing something they obviously love to do.
There were poetry readings and a few scenes performed by Anne Green’s Evergreen Theatre Company that were well received, but a few other performers who were meant to attend failed to show.
Rob Knowles was the MC and kept the show flowing, even performing a few songs in place of acts that did not show up.
Lyn Lapham was the organiser of the event and finished the evening show by miming to Bette Midler’s with Knowles acting out the words. Local Saafa president Hugh Holmes said he was disappointed with the turnout and wondered why so few Saafa members attended.
He also questioned whether there would be a third year for the show as its intention is to raise funds for retired servicemen – airmen who had fought for SA during its many wars both abroad and at the country’s borders.
“We need the support of our own members if these shows are to be a success,” said Holmes.